Articles
Steve Fields on ABT series 2
- Category: Interviews
- Published on Sunday, 29 November 2009 22:33
- Written by Josh
- Hits: 1357
Riding the coat-tails of today's announcement from Hobie and ABT on this seasons kayak fishing series (and what an announcement it was), this interview with the main man behind the event, MD of Hobie Australia, Steve Fields, was actually supposed to be posted prior to the announcement. Due to some unfortunate distractions this didn't go live when planned, and as such a couple of the Q&A's have become moot (answered sufficiently in the announcement), and thus removed. There's still some worthy reading here though, specially for those who are planning on participating.
Josh: Thanks for taking the time out of your busy roster to talk to us about the 2009/10 Hobie, ABT, Hogs Breath Kayak Fishing Series. Were there any stand-out learning experiences for the organisers from the 08/09 series that have influenced the planning and structuring of this seasons tournament?
Steve: Many thanks for the opportunity to talk about the ABT / Hobie Kayak fishing series to Yakabout. The idea of a professionally run kayak fishing competition has talked about for a number of years, however to us, teaming up with the right partners was the key to it all. Without a doubt, the ABT group are the best in the business. We also looked at others in the fishing trade like Daiwa and Berkley (Pure Fishing). These two are what we think the best in Australia with great products, great service and they support kayak fishing and the ABT / Hobie series. Without all of these (ABT, Daiwa and Purefishing) it would simply be just 'another kayak fishing comp'.
As far as this year’s structure we took on board a few comments from last year’s events and made a few changes. We also mapped out a five year program as well as give other states the opportunity to have a go, catch some fish and have a bit a fun along the way. To be Australia’s best kayak fishing series (instead of just an east coast event) you need to have other states take part. In addition we need to satisfy the competitive side of tournament fishing and provide new bench marks and new opportunities to anglers.
Josh: Have there been any notable revisions to the rules and format of the tournament?
Steve: The format as a whole has not really changed. We improved the understanding of AOY (Angler of the Year) as well has the kayak ranking system. We have also added state title events to NSW, Qld and Victoria. Some notable changes are that we will have two days events with the option to fish Saturday or Sunday and still win that weekend competition. This allows greater flexibility as some have family or work commitments that may have prevented them from some of last year events. However in saying that, the state titles will be two day events with both days 'bags' going towards the overall scores. The series is still open to all paddle and peddle craft.
Another change is moving from two bream, to three bream for the live weigh ins.
Josh: I noted that there was a members announcement in the hobiefishing.com.au forums that round 1 was to be held on the gorgeous Glenelg river. Can you elaborate as to whereabouts on the river exactly?
Steve: I wish I could however all event details will be out on September 1, 2009 at www.bream.com.au
Josh: What sort of criteria are the organisers looking for in selecting venues for kayak fishing tournaments?
Steve: There are a number of factors in choosing a venue. First and foremost is a place that holds fish. Then to forfill sponsors requirements and also make it easy to find affordable accommodation or camping locations to reduce cost.
Josh: Will the new series be venturing into bass or even barra territory?
Steve: At this stage, we have no plans for Bass however, we are looking into Barra for perhaps an invitation only series. Perhaps the winners or round winners.
Josh: Are you ready to reveal any of the prizes lined up for the new series yet?
Steve: With the new series comes more sponsorship dollars and cash paybacks as well as quality sponsors product. I really think it is more important to have quality prizes or cash vs. everyone to get a hand out of last year’s discontinued product(s).
Josh: If I somehow fluke my way into the final again this year, will I be able to use my own kayak, or will I otherwise get a free ride on a Pro Angler?
Steve: The series grand final will be on factory supplied craft again. We do this for a number of reason. This is done to level the playing field and so that all the boats are the same. This format also allows international and instate competitors to attend our grand final. Trust me that putting factory boats on the water does not come cheap. This is an expensive exercise however, we have been running Hobie Cat sailing championships with factory supplied boats since 1976!
Josh: So with Hogs Breath sponsoring this season's series, we can expect to be eating well after a hard days fishing, yes?
Steve: Hogs Breath have been great and all I can say is “it’s the best a steak can get”. With these new two days formats, it will allow us to have a “meet and greet” at a number of locations to try out the menu at Hogs Breath Cafe. You might recall that last year Hobie picked up the bill a few times so if you don’t show up, then you may miss out (hint).
Josh: That all sounds great and I look forward to being a part of it all again, as do many others, I'm sure. Thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions Steve. is there anything else you'd like to add in closing?
Steve: The 2009/10 ABT/Hobie Kayak Fishing series is “the premium kayak event” across Australia. You can follow the event at www.bream.com.au and at www.hobiefishing.com.au. We also have a few other announcements, so watch this space. Again, many thanks for the opportunity to chat with you on Yakabout. Yakabout and sites like Yakabout are replacing fishing forums which have seem to have little to offer these days.